What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question we often ask children, yet for a city like Malibu — now 33 years old — there’s no simple answer. Malibu will never “grow up” in the traditional sense because each day brings new challenges and opportunities. Our focus is on evolving while preserving the essence of what makes Malibu special. To understand where we are headed, we must reflect on 2024, a year of progress and determination. While we take pride in our achievements, there’s always more to strive to accomplish.
2024: A Year of Progress
Safety on Pacific Coast Highway
The safety of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has long been a priority, but in 2024, it became more urgent than ever. After the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine students in late
began their cheerful adventure. “I grew up in Paradise Cove, so this is a lot of fun.”
After getting the Santa Sleigh all decorated and having a wee bit of some pre-parade merriment, Santa and his entourage of helpers and elves left Paradise Cove on Christmas eve at 4 p.m., headed for the first stop — Malibu West.
“It’s my third year to help lead with the lifeguard truck,” Carter Baldwin said as the jovial group
You could hear the entourage of merrymakers approaching, what with the truck’s sirens joyfully blaring and Santa using a very big microphone through which he cheerfully declared in a booming voice, “Merry Christmas! Ho! Ho! Ho!!”
A large, cheerful crowd of residents delightedly greeted them.
Children and dogs and entire families lined up to speak with Santa, sharing their most secret wishes for gifts they longed for on Christmas morning.
“I wouldn’t miss Santa and his sleigh for anything! My kids absolutely love coming here to Malibu West to see Santa and his elves on his first stop of the night,” Brandon Jenner exclaimed. “I am so grateful to the Mullens, Baldwins, and Addisons, among others, who worked
hard to put this event on every year to bring joy to kids of all ages.”
“How lucky we are to live in such a sought-after location with incredible natural beauty and to still have this sense of community and small-town feel,” Jenner continued. “Santa and his sleigh is just one of the many examples where neighbors come together in tradition to create memorable moments for all us locals. Go Malibu!”
The family of Martin Okeke is requesting a jury trial in its case against a woman they claim caused a head-on crash in Malibu on July 4 resulting in his death. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of his estate, as well as Okeke’s wife, young daughter, and mother, against Summer Wheaton, who was behind the wheel of the car that crashed into Okeke’s vehicle just minutes after a controversial party held that night at Nobu restaurant had ended. According to the lawsuit, all three plaintiffs were financially dependent on Okeke who worked as a ride-share driver. He was on duty the night of the fatal crash that also resulted in injuries to his teenage passenger and to Wheaton. Other defendants named in the suit include the Hwood Group, DBDJ, and Nobu Malibu, LLC that rented its space for an annual
The tree was abundantly blessed with a multitude of lovely, intriguing toys for all ages of children, and a festive, jovial ambiance warmly embraced attendees as they gathered together and mingled at Malibu United Methodist Church on Dec. 21 for the annual Malibu Community Labor Exchange holiday luncheon.
“People really showed up for this donation effort and they were extremely generous as we sponsored Santa
Monica College Malibu Campus’ first annual toy drive to benefit the families of the Labor Exchange,” Alice Meyering, associate dean of the SMC Malibu Campus, said. “Members of our college and academic affairs departments were so giving. Look, how wonderful all the gifts are!”
Smiling as he surveyed the festive scene, SMC-Malibu Photography Professor Ed Mangus commented, “What Alice has spearheaded with this toy drive is wonderful and I am sure our Malibu campus will participate many more times!” Photography Professor Josh Withers chimed in, noting, “This is just a great way
“It was amazing to host the Santa Lucia singers again this year!” said Helene Henderson, proprietor of Malibu Farm, after the singers performed twice at the restaurant on the evening of Dec. 22. “We feel super grateful to be able to hold the yearly event after the Franklin
Fire caused the cancellation of the original date.”
In the Swedish tradition, “Santa Lucia” involves a young girl, representing Saint Lucia, who wears a wreath of candles on her head and leads a procession of singers, often referred to as “handmaidens,” carrying candles that symbolize the transformation of “light in the darkness” during the long, bleak winter months. The joyful entourage participants are dressed in full-length white gowns with red sashes, and they sing traditional songs.
MALIBU’S AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1946
Santa Lucia singers delight attendees at Malibu Farm with a
By DOUG STEWART Mayor of the City of Malibu
ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
By BARBARA BURKE Special to
Malibu Times
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
Christmas celebration on Dec. 24. Photos by Benjamin Hanson/TMT
The Santa Lucia singers rehearse inside of the Malibu Farm restaurant on the Malibu Pier on Dec. 22. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.
The Malibu Labor Exchange held its annual holiday party and a toy drive in partnership with the Santa Monica College Malibu Campus on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Malibu United Methodist Church. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Malibu
OPINION Letters to the Editor In Case
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The top stories from last week you can read at MalibuTimes.com
*Letters to the Editor may not reflect the view, opinion and/or ethics of the The Malibu Times. They are however, letters from the people of Malibu. We support your right to express your opinion. Read "Write to Us" to submit your letter today.
What unites us
Dear Editor, I was deeply moved by Judy Abel’s well-written article about the fire damage to their home sustained by City Councilmember Bruce Silverstein and his wife
Mindy. I was naturally reminded of when my wife and I lost our home in the Woolsey Fire — the not knowing, then the numbing awareness of so many memories lost, and finally the acceptance
and appreciation that we still had each other. I also remember how moved I was by the outpouring of support from friends and strangers alike. I realized like never before how much of a shared community we have, and what unites us dwarfs our differences. May the Silversteins and all the others who suffered any loss from the fire make a full and speedy recovery.
Burt Ross Malibu
The
Ican say with all sincerity that Jimmy Carter was a profound influence in my life. As a child of the ‘60s too young to attend Woodstock (I only turned 16 the week the Happening happened, therefore still without a driver’s license) and lucky enough to narrowly avoid getting drafted (thus putting to rest the difficult decision as to whether to move to Canada or Sweden), my political maturation took form during the early ‘70s as the political corruption of Watergate and the domestic upheaval over our withdrawal from Vietnam set the stage for reform of our political system.
As fate would have it, I was recovering from a serious accident that left me with a broken neck in January 1973. It necessitated several surgeries, absence from college for two quarters, and a healing process that left me in an upper body cast for the summer. I spent my convalescence enthralled by the daily political drama known as the Watergate Committee hearings, which unfurled the deep underbelly of a corrupt political system in need of serious surgery. I studiously watched every minute of the Watergate hearings that summer and jettisoned my dreams to be a professional baseball player. While recuperating in preparation for a return to college in Georgia, I found that my passion for politics and public policy grew exponentially, and I excitedly declared political science as my major upon returning to classes. I excelled in academics over the next several years and in January 1976, I was selected by the political science department to represent the school as a candidate for an in -
ternship in the Georgia State Senate in Atlanta. I was chosen for the program, and since the Legislature is in session for three months out of the year, I would complete my Bachelor’s degree serving in the State Senate.
I secured a room in a fraternity house on the Georgia Tech campus through the woman I was dating at the time and immersed myself in the opportunity that had presented itself with all the vigor of a soul who had discovered his lifelong professional passion: namely to devote his professional career to helping those less fortunate through the development and implementation of public policy.
As I made acquaintances in the Capitol, I would be introduced to statesmen such as State Senators Pierre Howard from Decatur, and Julian Bond from Atlanta. Soon, the three of us would be engaged in serious political discussions over lunch in the state government cafeteria across the street from the Capitol several days each week. Bond introduced me to comedian/activist Dick Gregory, who was visiting the Capitol, and we would end up having dinner that evening. It was an education that the classroom simply cannot match.
Several weeks into my stay, I was asked if I was interested in flying to New Hampshire with a group of the so-called Peanut Brigade folks from Georgia who would be canvassing the streets of Nashua knocking on doors with a former governor and peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who had decided to run for president. A relative unknown nationally, Jimmy Carter decided that through honesty, integrity, and abject seriousness, the nation needed to find its way out of the swamp of corruption that Watergate had uncovered.
I enthusiastically jumped at the offer, and there I was tramping through the slushy streets of Nashua knocking on doors in the freezing cold New Hampshire winter, as the candidate and nearly a dozen other candidates hopscotched through the streets, also knocking on doors, and assiduously avoiding literally running into
From the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON
Happy New Year from all of us here at The Malibu Times!
"Cheers to new beginnings, endless possibilities, and the joy of stepping into a brand-new year! May 2025 bring you happiness, health, and moments that make your heart smile. Happy New Year!"
each other in what had become known as the paragon of retail politics: namely, the first primary of the 1976 presidential election.
In the evenings, we would all gather at the famous Wayfarer Hotel, where in adjoining booths sat famous news commentators such as Douglas Piker, Tom Brokaw, John Chancellor, and a cast of others. For this 22-year-old novice to politics, I found an excitement that stays with me to this day.
Over the next several months, I would find myself in Jacksonville, Florida; the Bronx and White Plains, New York; Bucks County, Pennsylvania; Gary, Indiana; Livonia, East Lansing, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, South Dakota. Along the way, I had the honor and privilege of attending an AME church service in Mt. Vernon, New York, where Martin Luther King Sr. was giving a sermon. I was one of three white
people in that glorious explosion of celebratory redemption that was a ceremony so distinctly different from the solemn Latin, incense-filled experiences I participated in as an altar boy in a Catholic Church in northeast Philadelphia. And there we sat, taking it all in, me, Pierre Howard, and Deputy Mayor Tom O’Toole, from neighboring New Rochelle, New York.Since the campaign frowned upon us wasting expenses on hotel rooms, we stayed in people’s houses, and in New York the deputy mayor and his wife were more than amiable hosts during our short visit. It was, needless to say, an exhilarating experience and, lo and behold, although we got trounced in the New York primary, we won the nomination. By summer, I had graduated from college and found my way to the Democratic National Convention in New York City. I had arranged to stay with a friend of
mine in the city and was assigned to handle credentials, and I believe the official title on my ID was floor manager. So each day I would be outfitted with a large batch of credentials, ranging from nosebleed seats to floor and press passes. Needless to say, I was a very popular person, and many of the elected officials and others whom I had met along the way to the nomination sought me out for the highly prized packet of credentials tucked into the only suit coat I owned. Being a part of a national political convention is both exciting and exhausting,but by all accounts, a choreographing nightmare. I have worked on the podium for 10 of the last 13 conventions and spent quality time with far too many celebrities and political stars than I can mention, but it all started in 1976. Part II will be published next week, or you can read the full article online at malibutimes.com
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“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.” — Abraham Lincoln
‘The Road to Recovery’: City of Malibu hosts Franklin Fire Town Hall and Community Forum at City Hall Local and state agencies attend meeting to respond to concerns, answer questions on the blaze
Summer Wheaton sued by family of July 4 crash victim Criminal charges have not yet been filed against social media influencer
Schools turn crisis into an opportunity Welcomed with open arms and reassuring hugs, Webster Elementary students temporarily attend Malibu Elementary after fire
Malibu Scouts thank Fire Station 88 for battling Franklin Fire
scouts stopped by the station to give the team gifts and asked questions about the fire
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Los Angeles County District Attorney dies surfing in Malibu
NEWS BRIEFS
A Los Angeles County deputy district attorney has passed away while surfing in Malibu. Prosecutor Richard Quiñones apparently suffered cardiac arrest on Dec. 18 while in the water off Malibu shores. The father of three had been in the running two years ago for a judgeship but remained working for the DA’s office when he didn’t garner enough votes on the ballot. Quiñones had been surfing for nearly a decade before his fatal last surf session. Friends have called Quiñones“sharp, intellectually curious, generous and adventurous.”
They also say he was very proud of his children, ranging from college-aged to kindergarten. A memorial paddle-out is set to occur sometime in January in Malibu, where Quiñones loved to surf. He was 55 years old.
‘Alice’ actress Linda Lavin dies at 87
Actress Linda Lavin has died at the age of 87. Best known for her titular role in the late 1970s television show “Alice,” the performer was also an esteemed cabaret and Broadway singer and personality who won a Tony Award for her 1987 role in Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound.” Lavin once lived in Malibu’s Big Rock neighborhood. Her lavish Mediterranean-style home was once bought by celebrity rehab center Cliffside Malibu. The Secret Service then rented the luxe property for $30,000 a month when they were working detail for President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, when he was living across the street.
Los Angeles County secures $1 million grant to bolster beach resilience
Los Angeles County will receive $1 million from the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to advance coastal resilience efforts to protect the county’s iconic beaches from climate change-accelerated erosion threats, the Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) announced on Dec. 19.
The OPC governing board voted unanimously on Dec. 10 to provide the much-needed grant of state funds to preserve the county’s public beaches. The money from the OPC’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program, which aims to equip California’s coastal communities with the tools needed to combat climate threats, will support the development of the county’s Regional Coastal Strategic Adaptation Plan (RCSAP). The plan is a collaborative effort to protect 16 county-operated beaches, as well as state and local resources, along 45 miles of world-renowned coastline from threats posed by sea level rise and climate change.
“This grant allows us to build on our existing Coastal Resilience Initiative and take a significant step toward ensuring that LA County’s beaches remain resil -
ient, accessible and sustainable for future generations,” DBH Director Gary Jones said in a press release. “We’re proud to collaborate with community stakeholders and experts in the field of coastal resilience to find solutions that address climate impacts while promoting equity, inclusivity and sustainability.”
Erosion that robs beaches of sand occurs naturally, but its effects are accelerated by dynamic weather patterns spurred by climate change. In LA County and other parts of the state, the resulting powerful storms and heavy wave action have reduced the size of some beaches and increasingly threatened public beach access and amenities and other essential coastal infrastructure.
In LA County, Zuma Beach loses approximately 3.6 feet of shoreline annually, Dockweiler erodes at a rate of 4.5 feet per year, and Redondo Beach faces narrowing challenges exacerbated by infrastructure disruptions. These findings underscore the urgent need for proactive coastal resilience measures.
“This funding secured from the state represents a major step forward in protecting and preserving our coastline for generations to come,” said Third District County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “With this vital partnership, we will advance the County’s RCSAP, including design and robust community engagement for living shoreline projects across LA County. These efforts will protect our beaches and address the growing threats of climate change.”
The RCSAP is part of DBH’s Coastal Resilience Initiative, which aims to tackle these pressing challenges systematically by leveraging local, state, and federal resources and deploying nature-based strategies, while fostering collaboration with partners and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable coast that adapts to serve current and future generations.
Building on the foundational work of DBH’s 2023 Coastal Resilience S tudy, the RCSAP will integrate cutting-edge solutions, including living shorelines, sediment reuse and enhanced shoreline management strategies.
The RCSAP will engage a broad coalition of stakeholders, including municipal partners, tribal organizations, community advocates and regional agencies. These partnerships will help design and implement strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of LA County’s diverse coastal communities.
The RCSAP will be implemented over two years, with an initial on stakeholder engagement and data collection. Subsequent phases will develop actionable strategies and implementation pathways to build long-term resilience. To ensure transparency and accountability, key updates will be shared with the public and stakeholders throughout the project.
For more information on DBH’s work on coastal resilience, visit beaches.lac ounty.gov/coastal-re silience
Assembly Bill 413 goes
into effect this week
Stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension, is prohibited under a new state law, and could result in a citation starting Jan. 1. Assembly Bill 413, the “California Daylighting Law,” is meant to improve pedestrian safety at intersections by making pedestrians who are crossing the street more visible to approaching vehicles. The law took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, first allowing for warnings, unless the curb has already been painted red, or unless a sign is in place that prohibits parking.The city is conducting outreach to property owners to help them comply with these new safety regulations. For more information visit malibucity.org
Exterior Elevated Elements (E3) deadline extended to 2026
The deadline to comply with the City of Malibu’s ordinance regulating inspections of balconies and other exterior elevated elements on any buildings with three or more units for public safety has been extended from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026. Assembly Bill 2579 extends the deadline. This bill amends the existing law (Senate Bill 721) that had set a previous deadline in 2025.
If you live in or own a unit, within a multi-family residential community (three or more units), such as a condominium or apartment in the City of Malibu, then this program applies to you.
New state and local regulations require structural assessments for all Exterior Elevated Elements (E3) to protect public safety.
E3s of multi-family buildings with three or more dwelling units must be inspected by a California-licensed architect, or California-licensed civil or structural engineer.
E3s include balconies, exterior walkways, decks, exterior stairs and landings, and guards and associated handrails. Property owners and condominium associations must complete and submit their structural Assess ment Report and Insp ection Certification to the City by Jan. 1, 2026. The city has compiled a list of E3 design professi onals who can complete these inspections.
For more information, visit the E3 web page at https://www.malibucity.org/1049/Exterior-Elevated-Elements-Program, call 310-456-2489 , ext. 390, or email mbuild ing@malibucity.org for more information.
Balanced safety and access on PCH
On Dec. 19 the City of Malibu reaffirms its commitment to enhancing safety along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) while preserving public access to the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Recent comments from a Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy meeting, which seemed to prioritize public access over safety, have sparked
concern within the City.
“Public access and public safety are equally critical and must go hand in hand,” stated Mayor Doug Stewart. “We cannot trade lives for access. Malibu stands with Caltrans in creating a safer, more sustainable PCH for everyone—residents, visitors, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.”
This advocacy comes amidst sobering statistics: over the past 15 years, 61 fatalities have occurred on Malibu’s 21-mile stretch of PCH. In 2023 alone, there were 220 crashes, including 93 injuries and seven fatalities. To address these alarming trends, Caltrans has proposed key safety measures:
• Relocating On-Street Parking in High-Risk Areas: This will minimize pedestrian crossings at dangerous, non-designated points.
Adding Bike Lanes: These will create safer pathways for pedestrians and reduce conflicts between vehicles, cyclists, and walkers.
Preserving Beach-Side Parking: Critical parking areas will remain accessible, while risky configurations are relocated for safety.
The City supports these improvements and emphasizes solutions that balance safety with access, including:
Reverse-In Angled Parking: Doubling parking capacity in high-demand areas like Zuma Beach and Malibu Pier.
Net Parking Gains: Approximately 740 new spaces would be added, alongside opportunities for off-street parking and shuttle services.
• Bicycle Access Enhancements: Safer bike lanes and expanded bike parking to promote sustainable mobility.
Malibu calls on stakeholders—including Caltrans, the Coastal Commission, and MRCA—to collaborate on solutions that prioritize safety without compromising public access. “Safety must come first,” Stewart reiterated. “Malibu will continue to champion initiatives that protect lives while maintaining access to the natural beauty that makes this region special.”
For more information on the City’s PCH safety initiatives, visit the Pacific Coast Highway Safety page.
The Malibu Times holiday office hours set
The Malibu Times office will be closed on Jan. 1 and 2. If you require immediate assistance, please email us at editorial@ malibutimes.com, and we will respond as soon as possible.
fri jan 10
STUDENT ART EXHIBIT
ARTWORK SUBMISSION
DEADLINE
Origins: the point or place where something begins or arises. The 2025 Student Art Exhibit provides an opportunity for young artists to reflect on growth from past beginnings while also looking ahead toward future opportunities.
Artists must submit an online application by Jan. 10, 2025, at 11 p.m. Accepted mediums include collages, digital art, drawings, paintings, pastels, photography, and sculptures. The opening reception is on Jan. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Malibu City Gallery. Grades TK12.
sat jan 11
WEST BASIN RAIN BARREL
DISTRIBUTION
West Basin Municipal Water District Rain Barrel Program offers up to two free, 50-gallon rain barrels, valued at $80 each. Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff by collecting and reusing rainwater which can help residents save water and money. This is a drive-thru event, so participants are strongly encouraged to remain in their vehicles and provide enough space in their vehicles to accommodate the rain barrel(s) prior to the event.
Participants must register prior to the event date to qualify for up to two free 50-gallon rain barrels. This is a first-come-first-serve event.
For eligibility requirements, restrictions, and event registration, visit westbasin.org/rainbarrels.
mon jan 13
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
The Malibu City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of every month at the Malibu City Hall Council Chambers/Malibu Civic Theater at 5:30 p.m.
MUSICAL THEATER: ‘FROZEN KIDS’
Join The City of Malibu for “Frozen Kids,” a live musical production. Participants will be involved in every stage of the production, from acting, singing, and dancing to creating props, sets, and costumes, culminating in a live performance for family and friends. Instructed by Off Broadway Kids, the show is for ages 6-11. Classes run on Mondays and Saturdays, though there will be no class Jan. 20, Feb. 15, and Feb. 17.
Register online at parksrecreation. ci.malibu.ca.us/default.aspx. Cost $650. Contact Sebastian Spiroglou, recreation coordinator, for more information at SSpiroglou@ malibucity.org.
sat jan 18
CAFFEINATED VERSE: OPEN MIC POETRY WITH FEATURED READER LYNNE THOMPSON
Hosted by Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall, Caffeinated Verse is a monthly poetry workshop that includes featured reader Lynne Thompson, followed by an open mic format. The workshops are open to poets of all levels. On Jan 28, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
wed jan 22
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING
The next Public Works Commission meeting is on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Multipurpose Room.
thu jan 23
DIY BOOK BAGS FOR TEENS
Celebrate your favorite book or fandom by creating a one-of-akind book bag for you and your stuff that will be the envy of all. We’ll provide fabric markers and totes and you bring the artistic imagination. For teens ages 1317. On Thursday, Jan. 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Malibu Library Meeting Room.
WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE WORKSHOP
Meet your wild neighbors! Residents in Southern California live alongside a wide variety of wild animals, even in the most urban areas. Learn about your most encountered wildlife, why they enter human-developed areas, and how to live alongside them. This presentation, given by the California Wildlife Center, covers basic principles of inclusion and exclusion of wildlife in the context of LA’s urban-wild interface. Please join the Santa Monica College Malibu Campus for this free workshop on Friday, Jan. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To register, go to commed. smc.edu or call (310) 434-8600.
fri jan 24
HARRY BAROVSKY MEMORIAL YOUTH COMMISSION DONATION DRIVE
The Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission will be holding a Donation Drive
benefitting the Agoura Hills Animal Care Center, on Friday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 26. Drop off new and lightly used blankets and towels donation items inside the Malibu Bluffs Park, Michael Landon Center, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contact SSpiroglou@MalibuCity. org or go to www.malibucity. org/178/Harry-BarovskyMemorial-Youth-Commission for more information.
CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT WITH PEPPERDINE
The Pepperdine Guitar Department presents a concert featuring musicians studying with world-renowned classical guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening. For adults. On Friday, Jan. 24, at the Malibu Library from 3 to 4 p.m. wed jan 29
MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES: OBI KAUFMANN
The Malibu Library Speaker Series presents California poet, painter, and naturalist Obi Kaufmann, who will discuss his latest book, “The State of Fire: Why California Burns.”
Kaufmann is the author of the best-selling and awardwinning California Field Atlas series. Over the past 10 years, he has authored six books that each describe an aspect of California’s biodiverse landscape. His unique books are full of art, maps, and wildlife renderings juxtaposed by science-based and insightful prose.
In “The State of Fire,” Kaufmann asks, How do we live with fire? What makes fire essential to a healthy and biodiverse Golden
State? Kaufmann presents fires as a force of regeneration rather than apocalypse. “The State of Fire” explores the transformation of the resource landscape of California, from its ancient origins through its modern challenges to its future possibilities. He shares a deepened love for the natural world and a refreshingly hopeful vision of California’s future. This event takes place at Malibu Library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. RSVPs are required.
thu jan 30
OUTDOOR BOOK CLUB
Join the Outdoor Book Club at Malibu Equestrian Park to discuss “The Great Alone.” We will meet at the picnic tables under the trees on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 12 to 1 p.m. Parking and restrooms are available. Copies are available to pick up at Malibu Library. For adults. In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska ― a place of incomparable beauty and danger. “The Great Alone” is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-allnight story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
MALIBU CAMPUS PARENT NIGHT
Save the date! Santa Monica College Malibu Campus will be opening its doors to the community in January for a parent night. Representatives from their outreach career services, transfer, financial aid, and DSPS (Center for Students with Disabilities) departments will be holding presentations. This is an
opportunity for you to tour the campus and get your questions answered. Light refreshments will also be served. On Jan. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. Campus is at 23555 Civic Center Way in Malibu.
ONGOING
WINTER ADULT PICKLEBALL CLASS BEGINS
Participants will learn the game of pickleball through easyto-understand concepts and engaging interactive games. Using skill-based drills including dink-up, dinkdown, rallying, and serving, participants will develop game fundamentals, explore academic concepts through game play, and practice life skills such as sportsmanship and respect. Instructed by TGA Sports. Class is held on Saturdays, Jan. 18 to March 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. Cost is $225. Visit MalibuCity.org/ Register to register online.
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
Free Christmas tree recycling is offered to the community from Friday, Dec. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 23575 Civic Center Way (Chili Cook-off lot). Collected trees will be recycled into mulch.
Note: Closed Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 in Observance of the New Year’s holiday.
Please remove
or
Spreading light and love
Chabad of Malibu celebrates Chanukah at Point Dume Village on Dec. 26
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
“Happy Chanukah!” Sarah Cunin said warmly as she cheerfully greeted guests at the Chabad of Malibu’s community celebration at Point Dume Village on Dec. 26.
There were Chanukah crafts and activities — the kids made their own menorahs and clay dreidels. There were hot drinks and treats for all — attendees enjoyed delicious latkes with applesauce, traditional jelly-filled doughnuts and doughnuts with cream filling, and a hot chocolate bar. There was face painting, compliments of Hayley Tasso’s Dragonfly Lola Artistry.
“This is an annual community-wide event that the Chabad puts on every year and it’s wonderful!” said Neill Spector.
Three little boys, James Donfeld, 8, and his 6-year-old twin siblings, Benjamin and Sam, busily worked on creating the biggest doughnuts ever, replete with chocolate sprinkles, coconut peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate sauce.
“Our family loves coming to this event every year,” Kelsey Donfeld said. “We are thrilled to see attendance at this gathering grow every year.”
Surveying the joyful community of glee-
ful kids and parents and members of several generations, Rabbi Sholom Eagle, the rabbi in residence at Pepperdine, shared, “The message of Chanukah is to always increase our sharing of light, which is especially needed in these times of change.”
As music played, happy children frolicked and adults chatted, the gathering awaited the pièce de résistance — the grand gelt drop and the parachute dreidel drop. Everyone cheered when the firetruck from Zuma station pulled up and the fireman stood atop their truck and cheerfully threw out packets with the delicious candy that is traditional at Chanukah.
As night fell, Rabbi Levi Cunin lit the giant menorah, a symbol of the true meaning of Chanukah — it is the festival of lights and commemorates when Judah Maccabbee and his small but mighty army of warriors finally successfully defeated Syrian soldiers and were able to re-enter and to re-dedicate the Second Holy Temple known as the Beth Hamikdash.
As they did so, they lit the Menorah and it was a great day in the traditions of Judaism as Judah and his followers could once again spread the light and hope of their faith.
On a breezy day in Malibu, the cheerful attendees at the traditional communal gathering spread their light and joy.
The Malibu Times wishes Happy Chanukah to all who celebrate the tradition.
CONTINUED FROM A1
“This is the most amazing event of the year by far!” Larry Bakken
wound their way up the hill, and finally arrived at Sea Lion Place, where a crowd of merrymakers delightedly greeted them. “Shoes! You want shoes for
built in May 1955, and that when she looked out of her kitchen window that Christmas, Santa was on the corner of Bluewater and Birdview. This is the 77th year that the
“It’s my
be
Readers, make sure you don’t tell anybody — wink wink — but this year’s Santa was Tony John
Department who played the part superbly.
second year to
time!” Johnston declared. “Merry Christmas and Ho! Ho! Ho! That’s my personality! I love
Families line up to take pictures and tell Santa what they want for Christmas during the Point Dume Christmas celebration on Dec. 24. Photos by Benjamin Hanson/TMT
James Donfeld, 8, and his 6-year-old twin siblings, Benjamin and Sam, busily worked on creating the biggest doughnuts ever, replete with chocolate sprinkles, coconut peanut butter, marshmallows, and chocolate sauce on Thursday, Dec. 26. Photos by Barbara Burke.
Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department using heat-seeking drones for rescues
The department said using drones provides them more ground
coverage
By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
Drones are usually used to capture photographs and videography at weddings and sporting events from an aerial view, but most recently, drones have been proven to assist law enforcement in locating missing or injured persons.
The department used drones with infrared heat-seeking technology, which allows them to identify a person in an emergency such as rescues.
The first rescue was on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, around 7:30 p.m., when the Malibu Search and Rescue responded to request to search for a 78-year-old man who went missing from his home in Malibu. The elderly man, who suffers from dementia, was retrieving his mail from his mailbox at 4:30 p.m., but never returned.
With the temperature around 48 degrees and falling, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was called for help.
Malibu Search and Rescue (MSAR) and LASD deployed several FAA-certified UAS (drone) pilots with Lost Hills Station’s UAS (drone) equipped with FLIR (infrared heat seeking tech). After deploying the UAS, the pilot noticed a significant heat signature over the side of the roadway in thick brush. The figure was motionless. Believing the heat signature was of the missing person, MSAR operators were deployed with medical and evacuation equipment.
“A miracle just in time for the holidays,” MSAR posted on social media.
Upon arriving on scene, the rescuers observed the missing man suffering from cold-related illness, confused and unable to walk. He was evaluated, wrapped in a blanket, and placed in a rescue basket. MSAR personnel then carried him to an awaiting ambulance and LA County paramedics for treatment.
“This UAS deployment proved the incredible value that these newly adopted tools provide for our search and rescue operations,” the post says. “Great work by everyone involved.”
With the heat-seeking technology, the drones saved two in separate incidents in the same week.
2023, the city mobilized quickly, working with Caltrans, CHP, the Sheriff’s Department, and state and county officials. The response was swift and effective. Injury accidents have significantly decreased, and anecdotal evidence shows slower traffic speeds compared to the prior year.
Caltrans’ $4.2 million emergency commitment enabled crucial structural improvements, and the return of the CHP to local enforcement strengthened our efforts. These actions are already saving lives, and their impact will carry forward into 2025.
Another milestone in 2024 is the near completion of our traffic synchronization project, which is set to deliver measurable safety and efficiency benefits for motorists and pedestrians in 2025. Additionally, the decision to contract routine parking enforcement has yielded visible improvements in overnight parking compliance and public safety.
Advancing School Separation
Malibu’s long-standing goal of establishing an independent school district made meaningful strides in 2024. While efforts to finalize joint agreements with the Santa Moncia-Malibu School District fell short, we have submitted a unilateral petition to the Los Angeles County Office of Education. We are hopeful to have a decision by early 2025, which would bring us closer to state-level consideration. This progress, while incremental, represents a critical step in ensuring Malibu has a school system tailored to our community’s needs.
Improving City Operations
Another focus of 2024 has been strengthening city operations, particularly
and other substances.
July 4 bash showcasing its liquor company sponsors. The lowest advertised entry fee to the event was $10,000, which went for tables for five, including seven bottles of booze. There were no alcohol-free advertised options.
The lawsuit seeks punitive/exemplary damages and alleges that Wheaton knew in advance that the July 4 party and her anticipated conduct at the party expected her to consume intoxicants, knew in advance that doing so would mean that she was unfit to drive due to her impairment and that she would cause a collision with others, and that, nevertheless, she insisted on driving while impaired on alcohol
The plaintiffs allege that the defendants held the July 4 party “despite the City of Malibu revoking permits” to hold it,and that the “permits were revoked in part because the City of Malibu determined that Defendants were not complying with the City’s plans to control for the danger of drunk driving.” The complaint also states, “Wheaton became severely intoxicated and impaired and was unsafe to drive her vehicle.” Her eastbound vehicle crashed headon into Okeke’s car a mile east on Pacific Coast Highway at 10:20 p.m., just moments after the “Red White & Bootsy” party concluded. The complaint also states, “Defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, drove at an excessive speed, and
“Traditionally in the past UAS were only allowed to be deployed by our special enforcement bureau, but from them, we initiated a pilot program that Lost Hills Station is taking part of to deploy these drones at a station level,” LASD Sgt.Brandon Painter said.
Wright was proving information on the type of drones the department used for the rescues such as the zoom which allows them to cover any area. The drones would also provide them more ground coverage in just a few minutes of using the drones.
The department also used the drones in a recent incident on Stunt Road on Dec. 26.
Law enforcement authorities are looking into excessive speed as the cause of an accident that involved a vehicle that had gone completely over the side of a mountain road. The 1 a.m. accident near Mulholland resulted in a small brush fire as the vehicle careened 200 feet over the side into a brushy canyon. The vegetation fire was contained at 1 acre. MSAR was called to hoist the driver of the vehicle out of the canyon in the dark.
“He was conscious, he was making multiple noises, shouting, trying to get people’s attention, but due to the fire, it was difficult
to see and it was heavenly brushed,” LASD Sgt. James Wright said. “There was some difficulty, we had to look at multiple hot spots to locate him, but once we were able to confirm that was his arm, it was pretty clear that that was a person.”
The driver’s name has not been released.
Television footage shows a man being pulled up to safety before being checked out by paramedics on the scene. Charges against that driver could include speeding,
within our Planning and Building Safety Departments. The implementation of the recommendations from the Baker Tilly consulting report has begun to yield results, improving both internal processes and public experiences. Efforts to recruit and retain staff – especially permanent employees in key positions – laid the groundwork for sustainable improvements.
For 2025, our ambitions for Malibu are optimistic
Expanding Safety Measurers on PCH:
In 2025, Malibu will build on the momentum of 2024 with even more ambitious safety measures. By the end of the year, we will be the first city in California to implement speed cameras. The completion of the traffic signal synchronization system will allow for real-time traffic data and improved flow while acting as a force multiplier for law enforcement. Plans for temporary traffic roundabouts on PCH in western Malibu will further enhance safety and compliance. Many of these improvements align with the recommendations in the 2015 PCH Safety Study.
Addressing PSPS Risks
SCE Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) continue to pose challenges for Malibu, particularly regarding the ripple effects on cell service, internet reliability, and traffic signals. In 2025, the City will focus on mitigating these risks while improving emergency alert systems to ensure timely communication with our residents during outages.
Moving School Separation Forward
With an anticipated approval of our school separation plans at the LA County level, 2025 will shift our focus to Sacramento to advocate for the state level consideration. As stated, early progress in 2025 will be key as
made an unsafe lane change…”
Wheaton has not yet been charged with any criminal counts. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has said the incident is still under investigation.
At the time of the accident, Wheaton’s LinkedIn profile indicated that she was the co-founder of a sexual wellness brand. According to that profile, she began her career as an intern for two years to Mark Ridley-Thomas, who in 2023 was convicted on seven criminal counts and was sentenced to 42 months in prison. The former Los Angeles County Supervisor and LA City Councilmember remains free pending an appeal to the Ninth Circuit.
After the accident, Wheaton, the daughter of a prominent sports/ entertainment lawyer, withdrew from social media but re-emerged last week on Instagram selling a “faith-based planner.” In her initial post, she asks, “What if I had written down the desires of my heart,
not just for a perfect day, but as a way of handing it all over to God, trusting him with the details while staying intentional about my goals and habits. I just wish that I had had this planner sooner.”
Attorney Perry Wander, who has claimed to be “counsel for Nobu Malibu,” also re-emerged on social media to address the wrongful death complaint. Wander posted on Facebook hours after the accident that “apparently the party went off without a hitch,” that “[t] here were no issues and much to do [sic] was made about nothing,” and then threatened, “Any city council member that jumped on the bandwagon and opposed this permit, Mr. Ellison and the owners of Nobu will do everything they can to make sure that whoever is running against them in the next election is extremely well funded.”
The July 4 permit was opposed by recently re-elected Councilmembers Bruce Silverstein and Steve Uhring, both of whom were sub-
street racing, reckless driving, and possibly driving under the influence.
LASD said the California Highway Patrol are investigating if the incident involved speeding. The Malibu Times has reached out to the CHP but has yet to hear a response by deadline.
The station acquired the drones a few months ago and have used them on 20 missions so far.
Judy Abel also contributed to this article.
we continue working toward the long-term goal of achieving local control.
Enhancing City Operations and Staff Development
Building off of 2024, the implementation of the Baker Tilley recommendations will remain a focal point of 2025. Investments in new software will streamline operations, allowing for smoother permit processing and a more modern, digital approach to city permitting. Recruitment and training of permanent staff will further stabilize and strengthen operations. Resolving open senior leadership positions early in the year will be essential to these efforts.
Parks and Recreation Development
Malibu’s parks will continue to evolve in 2025, with exciting developments on the horizon. The long-awaited permanent skate park is expected to open, providing a dedicated space for local skaters. Phase one of the project to convert vacant property into youth sports fields will begin, laying the foundation for future recreational opportunities. Looking ahead, plans are in motion to create a multi-generational community center and sports complex, with amenities such as a pool, library, senior center, and sports courts.
In addition to these projects, the City will maintain its commitment to protecting natural areas and managing visitor impacts. Efforts to improve visitor safety, and safeguard the environment remain a priority, ensuring that these spaces can be enjoyed by all.
Looking Ahead
Malibu in 2025 is a city dedicated to its mission statement while it continues to advance safety conditions on PCH, advocate for local control in our schools, and improve city operations. While challenges will persist, so too will our determination to overcome them to make Malibu even better in 2025.
ject to mail and internet-based smear campaigns funded by outside PACs — the Riverside-based Moving California Forward and the shadowy California Families for Progressive Leadership, a PAC registered with the FPPC that failed to file any Late Independent Expenditure Report with the City of Malibu.
In a Facebook post shortly after the filing of the wrongful death complaint, Wander asserted that “the City of Malibu had issued a temporary use permit 4 weeks prior to the July 4th party” and that “[t]he day before the party, the city planning department wrongfully tried to revoke the permit without formal notice to Nobu. The ‘notification’ was a press release released to The Malibu Times. ” In fact, documents reviewed by The Malibu Times indicate that the conditional permit was issued 24 days before the event and that multiple Nobu representatives were emailed on June 27 that “Notice is hereby provided that the City of Malibu Planning Director has determined that the Temporary Use Permit is null and void…” A Nobu representative responded to that email, indicating receipt. Wander also as-
serted that, “There was absolutely no valet parking on site.”
Documents reviewed by The Malibu Times indicate that the Code Enforcement Officer on site on July 4 stated that when the event terminated, people were being picked up by shuttles, Ubers, and “some people left via valet.” Finally, the July 3 press release was not released to The Malibu Times but rather posted on the city’s website.
Just days after the wrongful death lawsuit was filed, Wheaton posted again on her Instagram account a posed selfie,with a carefree expression, her arms laden with Christmas gifts and a Gucci bag tucked under her arm.
As this article was being prepared, The Malibu Times obtained a press release noting that Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be the official chef of the Jan. 5 Golden Globes, and that Nobu Malibu will have on its menu through Jan. 5 the “Gold Standard Roll,” a limited-edition sushi roll featuring king crab wrapped in salmon, topped with gold flakes and caviar.
In addition to seeking lost financial support, Okeke’s family is seeking funeral and burial expenses.
On Friday, Dec. 27, the LASD demonstrated their heat-seeking drone technology used for recent rescues in Malibu. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
to give back to our Malibu community!”
As volunteers cheerfully scurried about arranging delicious cuisine options for the MCLE’s traditional holiday communal dinner, attendees mingled and chatted. Babes sat on the laps of parents, as doting grandparents looked on.
“It’s so nice to see all the MCLE families gathering at the holidays for this event every year,” Sonia Hernandez commented. “It really helps our MCLE community to attend this meal together.”
If there is no work there is no food
Several guests commented that having the annual MCLE holiday luncheon was particularly heartening this year as Malibu emerges from the days-long Franklin Fire that incessantly torched nearby canyons, mercilessly assaulted Serra Retreat — ultimately destroying 20 structures and damaging 28 others — and caused the closure of both ingress and egress through Malibu and nearby canyons for days.
Many MCLE attendees emphasized that they literally work each day for their daily bread and work interruptions caused by a disaster are disastrous for their families.
“Because of the fire, we couldn’t work and we didn’t earn any money from Tuesday, Dec. 10, through Friday, Dec. 13,” Fernando Martinez lamented. “They closed the roads and we could not either enter or leave — the nice people from Malibu Methodist Church brought us food and water on the beach.”
Emphasizing that many MCLE workers and their families literally live hand to mouth, Santos Osegueda explained the bottom line for them during the fire, simply stating, “If we don’t work, we don’t have food and we don’t eat.”
Magdalena Chavez noted that, “Where I work in the canyons the firefighters battled the blaze longer and people did not return to their homes as quickly so I will not have any work for a total of two weeks.”
Behind the church, children, kept blissfully ignorant of the harsh reality of MCLE families, joyfully explored the playground. As Rick Cupp watched his son, Carter Cupp, 11, play on the monkey bars, he paused, reflected, and then said, “I brought my sons here to volunteer because this event provides a great chance for priv-
ileged kids in Malibu to understand that kids — and all of us — need to serve as much as they are served.”
Day laborers are an integral part of the Malibu community
Before everyone enjoyed a delicious feast, MCLE Board Member Cindy Colburn expressed our community’s gratitude for the day laborers and their families and those who contributed to the meal and the gifts for the children.
“We are very thankful to those who donated the toys for the children at the SMC Malibu campus as well as for those who donated gifts from Malibu High School and the Athletic Club at Pepperdine,” Colburn said. “Everyone at MCLE and
Every year, Henderson, a native of Sweden, shares her homeland’s beloved 400-year-old tradition, much to the delight of attendees, many of whom make sure to include the event in their holiday tradition. Lucia Day — also known as “Lucy’s Day” — can be traced back to the fourth century, and it is a Christian feast day commemorating the martyr Lucia of Syracuse. Swedish legend tells of St. Lucia, a Christian martyr who was said to have been crucified for bringing food to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs. To light her way in the dark tunnels, she wore a candlelit wreath on her head, symbolizing her devotion to charity and faith. The celebration of St. Lucia is held annually on December 13, coinciding with what was once the shortest day of the year in the historic Julian calendar. According to Scandinavian folklore, this long night was believed to be fraught with danger, as dark spirits roamed the earth. St. Lucia’s arrival represented a beacon of light, hope, and kindness during the perilous hours of darkness.
your families are truly an integral part of our Malibu community and we all thank you immensely for your joy, yourhelp, and your kindness to our entire community. We really thank you for allowing us to share our lives with you throughout all of our community’s trials in things such as our fires and we know you care for us and we want you to know that we sincerely care for you.”
Standing alongside Colburn, MCLE Director Oscar Mondragon added a few insights into how meaningful the gathering was this year.
“In the midst of the tragedy of the fire, we are still all a growing family at MCLE and Malibu is part of our heart and we are very grateful to the people at SMC Malibu and the others who contributed to this
day for their being a part of our combined community,” Mondragon said.
Soon, families were enjoying delicious food and then, the pièce de résistance: Children received gifts, gratefully enjoying the Christmas season as the donors who provided them showed their appreciation for how much of a gift the members of the MCLE are to Malibu.
Volunteer Aidan Colburn, a junior at Malibu High School who helped to collect some of the toys, shared his perspective regarding why the annual holiday gathering is equally important for the MCLE families and for Malibuites.
“It’s fun to have our yearly gathering because the day laborers are truly a part of our community, and we often forget that.”
A little bit about Malibu’s MCLE
For 30 years, the Malibu Community Labor Exchange, has served Malibuites. The MCLE, a convenient site where the Malibu community can hire day laborers, is a nonprofit organizations that creates opportunities to the unemployed to build skills. The organization provides workers complimentary English as a Second Language classes, and importantly, in conjunction with the City of Malibu and the Malibu Foundation, workers are trained in basic emergency and disaster preparedness skills. To find out more, call (310) 3174717 or go to the MCLE at 23595 Civic Center Way — the MCLE campus is located on the northwest end of the Santa Monica Malibu campus parking lot.
A Malibu native, Henderson is no stranger to having to be flexible in scheduling the Santa Lucia performances at Malibu Farm. After the devastating Woolsey Fire in 2018, which wreaked havoc across the region, she demonstrated remarkable resilience by ensuring the beloved performances went ahead. Even amid the restrictions of the pandemic, she found ways to keep the tradition alive, adapting the performances to the changing circumstances.
This year’s performances continued to enchant attendees. Guests eagerly awaited the singers’ entrance, and the anticipation built
as the soft, harmonious voices approached the restaurant’s doors. As the procession entered, bathed in candlelight, the crowd collectively sighed—a poignant reminder of Malibu’s perseverance through difficult times. Many felt that the event symbolized a turning point, a collective emergence from the metaphorical darkness brought on by challenges like the Franklin Fire. St. Lucia’s light shone brightly, bringing a sense of renewal, hope, and community to all who attended.
The Santa Lucia singers rehearse outside of the Malibu Farm restaurant on the Malibu Pier on Dec. 22. (Top right) Passersby enjoy the snow machine outside of Malibu Farm. Photos by Benjamin Hanson
Families enjoyed food and photos with Santa, and kids were able to take a toy from under the Christmas tree.
Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
SANTA LUCIA CONTINUED
Malibu Life
Malibu Foundation donates $100,000 to the Malibu Community Brigade
Donation will be used to provide more equipment and infrastructure to support local firefighting efforts
By BARBARA BURKE
As The Malibu Times covered the Franklin Fire and its wide-ranging impact on our community, our reporters attended numerous news conferences and visited the Emergency Local Assistance Center in Malibu, where fire victims could seek support and guidance. Additionally, they conducted extensive interviews with those directly affected by the fire, capturing their stories and experiences.
Overall, the community consensus indicates that the Malibu Community Brigade acted as a force multiplier assisting responding firefighters throughout the battle against the conflagration.
Recognizing the brigade’s immense contributions to the efforts responding to Malibu fires and other disasters, the Malibu Foundation donated $100,000 to support the brigade’s operations on Dec. 14, even as first responders valiantly continued to fight the fire.
“Our initial $100,000 donation provided the seed money to help launch the Malibu Community Brigade — and it worked!” said Evelin Weber, the foundation’s co-founder and executive director. “The brigade’s training and its use of equipment to fight the Franklin Fire really paid off!”
Weber stated that the post-Franklin donation of $100,000 to the brigade will enable the organization to increase its equipment and deepen its bench.
“The ongoing support from the Malibu Foundation has been incredible,” said
Keegan Gibbs, director of operations for the Malibu Brigade. “They believed in our program early on, while it was just a concept, and they supported us then by donating $100,000 to purchase quality hand-held radios, repeaters, and mobiles.
The radios were essential to our safety and success during the Broad and Franklin fires.
“Now, that we have proof of concept, for them to step up again and continue that partnership with another donation is
truly heartwarming, and it shows how — despite our being six years past Woolsey — we are still here working together to make a wildfire-resilient
Singer/songwriter, Malibu High School graduate releases her first single
NBy JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
ina Hungerland’s passion for music has been a lifelong journey, and now, she’s taken a major step forward with the release of her debut single,“Rainy Night.” The sultry, bluesy tune describes the singer/songwriter’s new home in New Orleans, where she’s launching her music career.
Growing up in Malibu, the Juan Cabrillo and Malibu High School graduate grew up immersed in the arts. Hungerland’s love for music blossomed during her years in the award-winning MHS choir, where she honed her skills and developed a lifelong passion for singing.
“I hold those memories very near and dear to my heart,” the 26-year-old said, reflecting on her choir experiences. “We sang everywhere — from Carnegie Hall to Disneyland competitions. It was such a wonderful training ground for me and an amazing way to learn and grow as a musician.”
Her musical journey didn’t stop at choir. Hungerland cites her time spent with local mentors and her exposure to New Orleans’ rich musical culture as pivotal in shaping her sound. One of her early inspi-
rations was Charles Neville of the legendary Neville Brothers, whom she met through close family friends in Malibu.
“Charles was a huge influence on me,” Hungerland recalled. “He’d come to Malibu once a year, and I was lucky to be around his incredible energy and talent. That’s where my love for New Orleans music really began.”
After graduating from MHS in 2016, Hungerland followed that inspiration to New Orleans, a city she describes as equally laid-back and tight-knit as Malibu, but with its own vibrant culture. Since moving, she has been fully immersed in the local music scene, performing at venues ranging from private events to bars,
and restaurants.
Malibu.”
The Malibu Times also caught up with
Nina Hungerland learned music fundamentals in Malibu, launches her music career in New Orleans
Special to The Malibu Times
Photo by Henry Hungerland
Tom Van Daele submitted a wonderful photo of
“Malibee.” Photo submitted by Tom Van Daele.
The Malibu Community Brigade is shown fighting the Franklin Fire last month in Malibu. The brigade has gotten more support from the Malibu Foundation after fighting the fire. Contributed Photo
PEOPLE
You down with OCD?
MALIBU SEEN
By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor
A visit with
wandering writer James Bailey
He’s written three books. He’s friends with Mel Brooks. James Michael Bailey is even smarter than he looks. Mr. Bailey is a frequent wanderer in and out of Malibu, and if you’ve ever met him, he has probably offered you a business card and/or offered to sell you one of his books. Here is some backstory to the wandering writer.
To contact the author: jamesmichaelbailey@yahoo.com
You’re an author? I’m an author. How many books have you written?
Working on my fourth book. “Man Interrupted” (2008) was the first one that got optioned for a movie. “Almost Texas” (2014) is a dark comedy road trip. And the recent one is “The Diary of a Manic OCD Bookseller” (2021). And that’s manic, not maniac. The one I’m working on now is another road trip dark comedy. Working title is “The Infinite Highway.”
The first memoir, “Man Interrupted,” was detailing how I overcame my fears by facing them head-on. I had a fear of germs, so I started hanging out with homeless people as they are not known for hygiene. I confronted my irrational drug fears by hanging out with drug dealers.
Where did you hang out with drug dealers?
In the book, it’s Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, and that was based on a specialized OCD clinic. I can’t say where because the publisher didn’t want me to. It was based on exposure therapy. Facing your fears like hanging out with the homeless. And then cognitive therapy — is that logical to think you will die from shaking someone’s hand? Your thoughts are magical. Not based on reality.
The psychiatrist said, “Hey you can’t do this. You can’t hang out with drug dealers. You’ll get yourself killed.”
And I said, “Hey life is passing me by. I gotta do what I gotta do.”
Did your books sell well? They sold well especially in the UK and made some bestseller lists in America. They sold well in Malibu at Diesel. I was on their Top Ten list.
I’ve written like 30 books and yet I am poor. Do you make money from writing books?
NYes, I made movie money and made money in England, but I do it more for the adventure. Everybody’s got a story. And I’m a risk taker.
Movie deals?
Had a movie option for “Man Interrupted,” but it never came to fruition. Mel Brooks got Adam Sandler to read the script, but in the end he decided not to do it.
Which actor would you choose to portray you in a movie?
Jim Carrey was always my first choice.
On his X channel, Mel Brooks said “My obsessive-compulsive friend James Bailey has a new book out. I bought 12 copies and I intend to read them all.”
That’s funny. Is Mel Brooks funny?
Yes, Mel is a comedy genius. I recently told Mel he was my only true friend and he said to relieve his burden and find another one.
LOL
How do you two know each other?
I was an actor and used to sneak into the studios many moons ago.
One day at Fox on Pico, I heard this voice from behind me yelling “Are you fricking insane? I see you every day and you got the same clothes on.” Which was true. I had a $50 suit from Hollywood Boulevard. I told him I was an actor and trying to meet people and he said, “That is not the way to do it. If I notice you,
Burt’s Eye View:
o, no — I’m not 86. How could I possibly be 86 when I turned 80 not even two years ago? My friend Marty is not 86 either, and that is the whole point of this column. If you are not confused by now, then you don’t confuse easily. Read on, and hopefully, everything will be clear to you by the end.
As I have mentioned in prior columns, a group of us Malibuites get together most Saturdays for breakfast. There are up to nine of us; we are all of the male persuasion, our ages range from 69 to 91, and we all like each other.
Around Wednesday each week, Phil Bellomy, our leader, announces via text where we will be having breakfast on Saturday. It can be Ollo or Paradise Cove in town, or we occasionally drive to the Agoura deli, Eggs N Things, or the Four Seasons in the Valley. Breakfast starts promptly at 8:15 or 9 o’clock, depending upon when the restaurant of choice opens.
security will, and I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
I said OK, but the next day, I had a real audition at Fox and had a pass and thought I would never see Mel because it’s a big studio lot. But he saw me as he drove in. And just shook his head. I ran over to him and showed the pass, and he said,“Tuck your fricking shirt in.” And we became friends from then on.
Do you hang out with him? Is he as funny in person as he is on the screen?
I don’t want to talk about him too much, because he’s private, but he’s hilarious. Everyone I meet wants to meet him.
I’d like to meet him. “Blazing Saddles” is No. 4 on Funniest Comedies Ever but really a placeholder for everything he’s done. My dad was best friends with Dick Gautier, who was Hymie the Robot on “Get Smart.” And I like people who are smart and funny.
Well you’re on a different level. Maybe I can arrange something. Guys try to get to Mel through me. One guy had a script about George Washington in bondage and wanted me to give it to Mel. I said no.
The Amazon blurb for “The Diary of a Manic OCD Bookseller” (March 15, 2021) is beguiling: “Jim Bailey is a Gulliver walking the nooks and crannies of a beach community
simply trying to sell his books, do his research, and find a port where he can write the Next Great American Novel and Worldwide TV Series — only to meet the weird, the wacky, and the odd person or situation which may or may not get him back in time to switch his car to the other side of the street before the cops tow away his sleeping quarters.”
Well, that was years ago. I’m not sleeping in my car on the streets now. I’ve moved up to Santa Monica.
“And the power of OCD cannot be denied: Jim Bailey’s diary reveals a Don Quixote of a Writer-Against-All-Odds: An artist on foot, sleeping in his car, struggling to push his great work of written art up the steep hill of Competition, Access, and The Marketplace. Or: Tilting at sun worshipers, book-readers, the homeless, agents, or producers he meets on his daily rounds of beaches, coffee shops and the rear aisle of bookstores he sneaks into trying to sell his books. Great characters. A funny read. One minute, Jim is meeting a famous actor in a Malibu bookstore and the next minute, he’s fighting off a psychotic street person. Undaunted, he goes from one bookstore to another and will not leave unless he finds at least one customer to purchase his book. Along the way he meets Bob Dylan and Pierce Brosnan and many other celebrities that
purchase his book. He ended up selling thousands of books “one book at a time,” and ended up with a movie option. If you like quirky and motivating stories, give this a go.”
Mel Brooks and Larry Hankin have blurbs on it! Who wrote that?
I think Larry Hankin did. He was Mr. Heckles on “Friends” and a lot of other roles.
OK, so I had a girl staying on the boat in Hawaii who was legit ADHD, so I have seen that. And I have a relative who is bipolar so I have seen that. I have two friends whose children are autistic, and that’s just a raw deal. And working at the Malibu newsstand I am witness to a parade of various flavors of mental illness — a tiramisu of cuckoo. But what is the deal with OCD = Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
OCD comes in different flavors: some have germ hangups or constantly need reassurance that something simple they did or think won’t turn into a major disaster because of a thought they’re constantly having. The worst is the mental OCD, because you can’t desensitize that by doing physical exposures.
Is it something you are born with? That appears to be the case with ADHD, and bipolarism and autism.
They say it’s something genetic, but there are different studies on why and how. Now that I got
rid of most of my OCD, the one that stays with me is always trying to sell my book.
Well, that’s not OCD. That’s survival. I’m always giving out my book cards but I feel that is positive. You seem to come and go from Malibu.
I love Malibu and go back and forth from Santa Monica. The people in Malibu are always so kind and I guess living there it’s easy to be kind when you live in a paradise!
When you go, where do you go and what do you do there?
I go all over the place. Louisiana, Texas, wherever. My next trip is to Roswell, New Mexico, because my book “Almost Texas” details all these rascals and scoundrels who don’t fit in on earth. They think they are aliens and they will return home on the 50th anniversary of Roswell.
Is that part of OCD, to be a relentless wanderer?
I guess I am a wanderer. My recent book that you mentioned is full of encounters. One meeting Bob Dylan and the next a homeless person trying to attack me. P.S. Bob has a great chapter in my book via our encounter by the old bookstore. Will this interview be difficult because of OCD? Will you never be satisfied with it?
I know you are a great writer, so I will be content with your article.
We are all early risers. As soon as we get the text, we let Phil know whether we can make it or not. One week, Marty Cooper responded by telling us all “I am 86.” Well, you can imagine how thrilled we were for Marty. He is just a terrific guy, and so we all sent him back texts wishing him the happiest of birthdays. The birthday wishes dominated the airways, that is if you can refer to texts as airways.
Much to our collective surprise, Marty did not accept our birthday congratulations. On the contrary, he surprised us all by saying that it was definitely not his birthday. Communication can be a tricky thing even when you all speak the same language. Apparently, the expression “I am 86” can mean “I am not available.”
News to me, but my friends at Google confirmed this. We then were all sorry on two counts — that Marty could not make our breakfast gathering and that he was not having a birthday. What one says when one is actually turning 86 is beyond my comprehension.
“I’m incredibly lucky and blessed that gigs have been picking up quite a bit,” Hungerland shared. “I’ve been playing all kinds of shows — anything from private parties to event openings. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Now, Hungerland is ready to share her own music with the world. “Rainy Night,” her debut single, is an evocative piece inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells of a rainy evening in New Orleans.
“It’s hard to classify the style,” she says. “I’d say it’s somewhere between jazz and folk, with a laid-back vibe. It’s reflective of all the influences I’ve had over the years, from jazz and blues to funk and classic rock.”
While Hungerland wrote both the lyrics and music for “Rainy Night,” she collaborated with five talented New Orleans musicians to bring the track to life. Their contributions add depth and texture to the song, creating a sound that’s both intimate and expansive.
“I’ve been so lucky to work with some incredible friends and musicians here in New Orleans,” she says. “Their input has been invaluable, and it’s amazing to hear how the song has evolved with their talents.”
The journey to releasing “Rainy Night” has been a long one for Hungerland. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, she wanted everything to be just right before sharing her music with the world.
“I think I’m still in a state of disbelief that it’s finally
happening,” she admits. “It’s a dream come true and something I’ve been working toward for a very, very long time. It’s been a huge learning process, but I’m really proud to see it all coming together.”
For Hungerland, releasing “Rainy Night” is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a way to connect with others and share a piece of her soul. Her debut single is the first of two planned releases, which will eventually lead to a full album. She’s currently putting the finishing touches on the accompanying artwork, which will tie the entire project together.
When asked about the difference between living in Malibu and New Orleans, Hungerland spoke fondly of both places.
“Malibu will always be a very dear part of my life,” she says. “It’s such a small, tight-knit community, and I’m so grateful for the people who helped shape me there. But New Orleans has its own magic. It’s a bigger city, but it has that same close-knit vibe, especially within the musician and artist communities. It’s been an incredible place to grow and explore my art.”
Not only is Hungerland an artist, she’s an animal lover who, while in Malibu during the Woolsey Fire, spent days rescuing animals and checking in on neighbors. She was honored with a Dolphin Award in 2019 for her courageous acts and dedication to the Malibu community.
For those eager to hear the rising star’s “Rainy Night,” the single is now available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
NINA HUNGERLAND Continued from B1
Writer James Michael Bailey shows off the cover of his book “The Diary of a Manic OCD Bookseller” on his laptop in Santa Monica.
Photo by Benjamin Marcus
By Burt Ross, Contributed Column
COMMUNITY
A New Year’s wish for our community
To help our local environment, Malibu could adopt a Clean Carbon Pledge and enact a low carbon cement code
By BARBARA BURKE
As we start a new year, it’s time to reflect on our community’s future, both in the near term and further along in time.
Safety throughout our town is, of course, a primary objective. My colleague Michel Shane writes convincingly, incisively — and brilliantly — concerning the innumerable challenges and solutions to increase safety on Pacific Coast Highway. Similarly, much has been written about preparing for wildfires by hardening our homes and businesses.
Today, I address another detail concerning how Malibu can segue into the second quarter of this century by building on its strengths and improving on its weaknesses.
The City of Malibu’s Mission Statement, our community’s guiding north star, states that, “The people of Malibu are a responsible custodian of the area’s natural resources for present and future generations.”
That said, my New Year’s wish is that Malibu will continue to be a leader in implementing environmentally logical municipal ordinances and policies. Case in point: Perhaps the City of Malibu could address efforts by some locals advocating the enactment of a strong low carbon concrete code, a provision that the City of Malibu considered, but did not adopt in 2022, despite strong constituent advocacy for such an ordinance at that time.
Many efforts that succeed in life are, at least in part, a function of timing, and when the issue was presented to the city three years ago, staff stated it was not the correct time to consider enacting a low carbon concrete code because the city was in the throes of rebuilding from the Woolsey Fire.
Perhaps it’s time to try again when the new city council convenes in January.
A Clean Carbon Pledge that is advocated by some in the cement industry
On Dec. 18, 2024, the Clean Carbon Pledge Initiative to Decarbonize the U.S. Concrete and Cement Industry was proposed by the Rocky Mountain Institute, a think tank advocating that citizens and political subdivisions make concerted efforts to do all they can to thwart global warming.
“Cement and concrete, essential to the built environment and modern infrastructure, are responsible for 8 percent of global annual carbon pollution,” RMI’s article informed. “Recognizing this, RMI, the National Resources Defense Council, and the National Ready-Mixed
Concrete Association (NRMCA), in collaboration with the White House, launched the Clear Concrete Pledge Initiative, a cross-cutting effort to bring powerful stakeholders across the concrete value chain together and drive industry-wide decarbonization, innovation and economic benefits.”
An inaugural group of 17 cities, states, real estate firms, and cement and ready-mixed concrete producers, representing some of the largest U.S. buyers and suppliers of concrete, have pledged to take specific actions to decarbonize the concrete industry, RMI announced, noting that pledges are organized into four categories - procurement, demonstration projects, cement supplier and market accelerator. The effort, RMI announced, offers a pathway for both public and private sectors to advance clean concrete solutions.
In my opinion, Malibu should consider adopting the Clean Concrete Pledge Initiative, including implementing provisions in its procurement practices that mandate the use of low carbon cement and other building materials in city-funded construction projects. Further, the city should again focus on implementing a Low Carbon Cement Code. I note this is a particularly timely issue in Malibu as the city continues its effort to build on cityowned lands for the benefit of the residents.
Local enactments of a low carbon code
“In April, Santa Monica just unanimously voted to approve the code that Malibu rejected,” said Scott Morris of the Low Carbon Initiative, an organization that was founded by MariSol Malibu, the builder of Malibu’s first zero carbon homes, Burdge & Associates, and The Malibu Foundation. “The White House and the State of
Brent Woodworth, chairman and CEO of the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation, a nonprofit organization under whose auspices the Malibu Community Brigade operates.
“During the Franklin Fire, our brigade team was on scene for seven days and we helped with evacuations, which took a significant effort because it was time-urgent and in the middle of the night,” Woodworth explained. “Although the brigade members do not battle the front line of the fire, we assist with attacking any debris pile ignition, hot spots, and ember fires.”
The ordinance in Santa Monica, which became effective on June 13, 2024, mandates the use of low-carbon concrete for all new construction, swimming pools, and spas, with exemptions for supply unavailability and provisions ensuring against price gouging. Those two qualifiers should allay concerns regarding whether low carbon concrete building is feasible. Low carbon concrete is available at both main suppliers for Malibu — DMI Ready Mix and Associated Ready Mix; moreover, it usually costs less than standard concrete, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute.
“Low carbon cement, SCM, may cost up to 90 percent less than ordinary Portland concrete,” the initiative’s research report states.
“Low carbon concrete codes in Santa Monica and Marin require no additional costly inspections,” Morris emphasized. “The inspection protocol is the same as for regular concrete.”
One local contractor’s take regarding a low carbon concrete code
The Malibu Times reached out to Malibu construction contractor John Johannessen about building with low carbon concrete. He’s a good guy to chat with about the issue because, he noted, “Over my 40-year career, I’ve poured more than a million square feet of concrete.”
What’s his take on the low carbon concrete code?
California have taken an interest in embodied carbon too, but at the city level, we can make much more impactful cuts to concrete — which accounts for 8 percent of global CO2 emissions.”
Morris added, “The good news is that all the heavy lifting is done with regard to preparing the city to enact the code — relevant and timely research, a staff report and code drafting — all are available to Malibu staff and only a few minor tweaks would be needed to draft an ordinance for Malibu.”
Materials used in low carbon concrete and price
Historically, as the initiative notes, contractors and engineers selected Ordinary Portland Concrete, and the cement supply was centered around one type of cement, Type I/II OPC.
A standard concrete mixture is made up of Portland cement, water, sand, and aggregates of gravel, according to the Santa Monica staff report, which emphasizes that the production of cement is very carbon-intensive, contributing to approximately 60 percent of emissions associated with concrete production. Low-carbon concrete mitigates these emissions by reducing the cement content in the mixture and substituting it with alternative cementitious materials.
“Low carbon cement, known as SCM, such as fly ash, slag, calcined clay, limestone, and natural pozzolans, are types of cement that have significantly less processing and energy requirements than OPC,” the initiative’s research report states.
“Low carbon concrete often exceeds the required strength and performs better than regular concrete in corrosive coastal environments like Malibu,” Morris stated.
“Concrete is fairly expensive and using low carbon concrete in building will be a cleaner way of doing construction for Mother Earth, which a lot of people are interested in looking into,” Johannessen said. “I am just getting ready to pour a 10,000-square-foot house foundation that is 16-feet deep into the ground. I am going to have my concrete team do a cost comparison between regular concrete and low carbon concrete — this project provides a nice opportunity to consider doing that.”
Johannessen promised to report back to The Malibu Times concerning his team’s assessments regarding using low carbon concrete.
Those readers who wish to delve further into the research and data supporting enacting a Low Carbon Concrete Code in Malibu can peruse these resources: Signatures in support of the proposed code when the matter was considered by the Malibu City Council in 2022 are at www.lowcarboninitiative.org, Letters of Support can be found in dropbox.com under Letters of Support and SM Support. Here is some material from the successful 2023 Santa Monica Campaign: Letters of Support, Santa Monica Staff Report.
Just as the City of Malibu has been a recognized leader in addressing and helping to mitigate plastic pollution, so too our community may wish to help lead efforts to reduce carbon emissions by adopting the Low Carbon Concrete Code and signing the Clean Carbon Pledge Initiative. Doing so seems to align well with the city’s Mission statement as it will reflect one way current residents can evince that they honor the idea that, “The people of Malibu are a responsible custodian of the area’s natural resources for present and future generations.”
Woodworth noted that brigade members train in fire mitigation, risk assessment, home-hardening and that, with regard to emergency response, they train with the fire department.
Donations facilitate the brigade’s operations
“We will use the Malibu Foundation’s new donation to purchase personal protection equipment for each volunteer — it costs approximately $2,800 per person to outfit a volunteer with boots, helmets, harnesses, special pants, and a fire jacket,” Woodworth stated. “We are also seeking to improve our infrastructure very strategically by purchasing a responder out
on Catalina Island, which acts as a transponder and allows our team’s radios to send and receive a signal. We currently have towers near Clarks Peak, which is out near Deer Creek as well as at Castro Peak. Placing a responder on the island will enable our radios to even more efficiently communicate both on the Malibu coast and in the canyons.”
First responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Cal Fire and other organizations recognized the brigade’s contributions in fire fighting.
“Having the brigade is fantastic,” Drew Smith, the Los Angeles County Fire Department assistant chief said. “Our working together has really enhanced
and fosters a greater relationship in the community.”
Similarly, the Community Brigade appreciates officials letting its members help fight the fire.
“We are eternally grateful to LAFD for the opportunity to play a small part in this fire response, and to work under their leadership in helping achieve the incident objectives,” Gibbs said. “The professionalism and encouragement they have empowered us to take ownership of our risk.”
Friends and neighbors
“We are not heroes — we are friends and neighbors reframing our relationship with the inevitable presence of wildfire,”
Gibbs explained. “The ‘hero-saving-victim’ paradigm only perpetuates our refusal to acknowledge our decision to live in a fire-prone area. Be your own hero! Be prepared, harden your home, and educate yourself about fire.
“We are in the field to fix that perspective and relationship. A core mission of the Community Brigade is to help people develop a deep understanding of wildfire, enabling us to live more responsibly amidst its inevitability. While large-scale home hardening remains the top priority, truly coming to terms with fire requires more than preparation — it demands facing it directly to grasp its nature and mitigate fear.”
Special to The Malibu Times
The Malibu Community Brigade is shown in the process of battling the Franklin Fire last month in Malibu. The brigade has gotten more support from the Malibu Foundation after fighting the fire. Contributed Photos
Construction is shown on a data center project by Clark Pacific, which also built the Pepperdine campus parking garage. Low carbon concrete is a top priority for Big Tech in the current data center boom. Photo courtesy by Scott Morris of the Low Carbon Initiative.
Schmid appointed head coach of Waves tennis
Previously, Pepperdine’s men’s associate head coach, he brings reputation as elite coach and recruiter to women’s side
By MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
Afamiliar face will coach the Pepperdine women’s tennis team during its spring season.
Tassilo Schmid, most recently the associate head coach of the Waves men’s tennis team, was named the women’s team’s interim head coach on Dec. 20. Schmid, the men’s team’s associate head coach for six seasons, is replacing Per Nilsson. Nilsson left the Waves coaching gig in late October to take the same position with the University of Florida’s women’s tennis team.
Schmid, who played collegiate tennis at Mississippi State, said it is a privilege to coach the Waves women’s tennis squad.
“I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Per created while bringing my own vision and energy to the program,” he said. Pepperdine Athletic Director Tanner Gardner
is excited about Schmid coaching the women’s tennis team.
“We have a talented group of student-athletes striving for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this spring, and I know Coach Schmid will do an exceptional job leading the charge,” he said.
The Waves finished last season with a 21-7 record. The squad advanced to the NCAA tournament semifinals.
The Waves first match of the spring season is on Jan. 17.
The team plays Duke in Durham, North Carolina, and two days later plays NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Waves will host the two-day ITA KickOff Weekend beginning on Jan. 24 with a match against Arizona. They will play either Florida State or Georgia Tech the next day.
Schmid is known as an elite coach and recruiter. He twice won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Regional Assistant Coach of the Year award and helped the Waves qualify for the NCAA tournament four times. Schmid coached five All-Americans and helped Pepperdine win four West Coast Conference regular season and tournament titles.
Before becoming a Wave, Schmid was a volunteer assistant coach at Florida State.
At Mississippi State, Schmid led the squad to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2015. He was a two-time Academic All-SEC team selectee and the ITA Southern Regions Most Im -
proved Player in 2015.
Schmid was also an All-American player at Tyler Junior College. The team won the 2013 national JC title and Schmid was the Junior College Player to Watch and the Flight 2 national champion.
Waves men’s head coach Adam Schaechterle served as the women’s squad’s interim head coach until Schmid was named to the job. He is now also
Pepperdine’s Director of Tennis while still coaching the men’s team. Schaechterle will provide support and guidance to both teams in the position. He said Schmid understands Pepperdine’s culture and what makes the university special. “He’s ready to be a head coach,” Schaechterle stated. “I’m grateful to work as partners as we continue to advance Pepperdine tennis.”
Classic vehicle anonymously made available for a good cause
Malibu Boys & Girls Club receives a generous donation through an online auction of a 1960 MG Roadster
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
She’s a beauty! She’s one of those antique cars that people, both those who are seasoned car aficionados and other folks who just recognize something gorgeous when they see it, circle around whistling admiringly and uttering compliments such as, “She’s gorgeous! Wow!”
On Dec. 10, a lucky bidder took home a stunning 1960 MG MGA 1600 MK 1 Roadster with only 82,000 miles on it. She’s finished in Old English White over shiny black leather upholstery and is proudly powered by a 1.6L inline-four mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Her exterior equipment includes a bright body-contour grille, driving lights, a badge bar, side mirrors, a rear luggage
rack, bright front and rear bumpers with bumperettes, and a tonneau cover.
The vehicle was in the anonymous owner’s family for decades and was offered as a dealer consignment with no reserve in a package that included an MG-branded leather bag, spare parts, and a clean California title.
Suffice it to say that there was a lot of interest in the car. “The vehicle received 7.8k views, 46 comments, and a $26,000 result on Bring a Trailer and the sales amount, as well as the Bring a Trailer Buyer’s Fee of 5 percent, will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu,” Madison McMurray, public relations
manager for WOB cars, said. Pausing as she acknowledged the ironic synchronicity between the sale’s donation and the need in Malibu for extra community support in the face of disasters, McMurray added, “The auction ended the morning of Dec. 10, the very day the Franklin Fire broke out, making the auc -
LEGAL NOTICES
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Case No. 24VECP00571
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Petition of: JAMIE MILLER GONZALEZ BY AND THROUGH KELLY MILLER
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: JAMIE MILLER GONZALEZ BY AND THROUGH KELLY MILLER a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
Present Name: JAMIE MARIE MILLER GONZALEZ
Proposed Name: JAMIE JUNE MILLER
The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing:
Date: 01/24/2024 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: O, Room: 511
The address of the court is:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper):
The Malibu Times
Date: DEC 04, 2024
VIRGINIA KEENY, Judge of the Superior Court
DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court
PUB: 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025 The Malibu Times MALIBU 261
2024247696
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:
MALIBU PAINTING CO.
3625 BUDD ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111-4333, SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):
Registered Owner(s): MARCELO BERMANN
3625 BUDD ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111-4333
If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization
This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A
I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed,MARCELO BERMANN, OWNER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 12/5/2024.
NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT
GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025 MALIBU 262
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the City of Malibu, MALIBU PERMANENT SKATE PARK PROJECT, SPECIFICATION NO. 2112, will be received by the City Clerk, at Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, California, 90265 at or before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, JANUARY 16, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read by the City Clerk (or designated representative).
SCOPE OF WORK
In general, the proposed improvements consist of a new custom, in-ground, cast in place skate park, grading, drainage, erosion control, landscaping, electrical work, new water lines, irrigation, the installation of a prefabricated restroom and all other appurtenant work included and shown in the Contract Documents and Specifications. The bid shall be submitted and the work shall be performed by a Class “A” State of California licensed contractor in strict conformance with the project specifications for MALIBU PERMANENT SKATE PARK PROJECT Specification No. 2112 now on file in the City’s Public Works Department.
An electronic copy of plans and specifications may be obtained by prospective bidders from the Public Works Department through mpublicworks@malibucity.org.
All prospective bidders shall abide by the provisions of the Bid Terms and Conditions listed in the project’s specifications.
The City reserves the right to retain all bids for a period of 90 days after the bid opening date for examination and comparison and to delete any portion of the work from the Contract. The City reserves the right to determine and waive nonsubstantial irregularities in any bid, and to reject any or all bids.
The bid shall be balanced so that each bid item is priced to carry its share of the cost of the work and also its share of the contractor’s overhead and profit.
T he City reserves the right to delete any bid item to the extent that the bid is qualified by specific limitation. An unbalanced bid shall be considered as grounds for rejecting the entire bid. The City shall award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder as the interest of the City may require.
In accordance with the provisions of Division 2,
tion even more unexpectedly timely because all the proceeds from the sale were donated to help the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, a nonprofit organization that provides the Malibu community with a safe environment to learn new skills, socialize and find social and emotional support.”
Robert Dietz, president and founder of WOB Cars, of the specialty dealership in Thousand Oaks that serves as an automotive concierge for private car collectors, sold the vehicle, chimed in and commented about the sale.
“My favorite kind of auction — an awesome car being sold for the sole benefit of others,” Dietz said. “The Malibu Boys & Girls Club is a lovely organization with the goal of bettering children’s lives through positive support and growth and I am happy to donate our time to the organization.”
Readers can enjoy a walk-around video of the gorgeous vehicle here at youtu.be/ KcWEQi-QnEE and they can viewthe auction at bringatrailer.com/listing/1960mg-mga-1600-mk-i-6.
Make sure to practice your whistling before viewing the clips.
Part 7, Chapter 1 of the California Labor Code, the California Department of Industrial Relations has established the general prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification and type of work needed to execute contracts for public works and improvements. The per diem wages published at the date the contract is advertised for bids shall be applicable. Future effective wage rates which have been predetermined are on file with the Department of Industrial Relations, are referenced but not printed in said publication. The new wage rates shall become effective on the day following the expiration date and apply to this contract in the same manner as if they had been included or referenced in this contract. The website for California Department of Industrial Relations Prevailing Wage Unit is currently located at www.dir.ca.gov, prevailing wages are located on the website at http://www.dir.ca.gov/ dlsr/pwd/index.htm.
The wage rate for any classification not listed by the California Department of Industrial Relations, but which may be required to execute the proposed contract, shall be in accord with specified rates for similar or comparable classifications or for those performing similar or comparable duties, within the agency’s determinations.
At the time of submitting the bid the Bidder shall be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations in accordance with the provisions of Section 1771.1 of the California Labor Code, as amended by Senate Bill 854. No public work contract may be awarded to a non-registered contractor or subcontractor.
Without exception, the bidder is required to state the name and address of each subcontractor who will perform work or labor or render service to the prime contractor and the portion of the work which each will do in their bid as required by Section 23, “Subcontracts”, of the Standard Specifications and in conformance with Public Contract Code, Sections 4100 to 4113, inclusive.
The City will not consider awarding any contract based upon any bid submitted by any contractor nor consent to subletting any portions of the Contract to any subcontractor located in a foreign country
Tassilo Schmid, who has served as the Pepperdine men’s tennis associate head coach, has been named interim women’s tennis head coach for the Waves. Photo by Kyle Cajero
This 1960 MG MGA 1600 MK 1 Roadster, with only 82,000 miles on it, was auctioned off last month to benefit the Malibu Boys & Girls Club. Contributed Photo
during any period in which such foreign country is listed by the United States Trade Representative as discriminating against U.S. firms in conducting procurements for public works projects.
All bidders are hereby notified that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Business Enterprises must be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin consideration for an award.
The Contractor may substitute securities for retention monies pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300.
Date this 3rd day of December, 2024 CITY OF MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Rob DuBoux, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Published: Malibu Times on December 19, 2024 and December 26, 2024 and January 2, 2025 and January 9, 2025 MALIBU 267
CH-210 SUMMONS
Civil Harassment Restraining Order)
CITACION
(Orden de restriccion por acoso civil)
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE
111 N. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
CASE NUMBER: STR006992
1. Person asking for protection: La persona que solicita protection:
Tarcisio Mosconi
2. Notice to (name of person to be restrained): Aviso a (nombre de la persona a ser restringida):
Antonio Salvatore Alessi
The person in (1) is asking for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order against you.
La persona en (1) esta pidiendo una orden de restriccion por acoso civil contra usted.
3. You have a court date
Tiene una audiencia en la corte
Date (Fecha): January 12, 2025
Time (Hora): 8:30 a.m.
Dept (Depto): 25
Room (Sala): 317
What if I don’t go to my court date?
If you do not go to your court date, the judge can grant a restraining order that limits your contact with the person in (1). Having a restraining order against you may impact your life in other ways, including preventing you from having guns and ammunition. If you do not go to your court date, the judge could grant everything that the person in (1) asked the judge to order.
¿Qué pasa si no voy a la audiencia?
Si no va a la audiencia, el juez puede dictar una orden de restricción que limita su contacto con la persona en (1) Una orden de restricción en su contra puede tener otras consecuencias, como prohibirle tener armas de fuego y municiones. Si no va a la audiencia, el juez puede ordenar todo lo que pida la persona in (1).
How do I find out what the person in 1 is asking for?
To find out what the person in (1) is asking the judge to order, go to the courthouse listed at the top of page 1. Ask the court clerk to let you see your case file. You will need to give the court clerk your case number, which is listed above and on page 1. The request for restraining order will be on form CH-100, Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Order.
¿Cómo puedo entender lo que pide la persona en 1? Para entender lo que pida la persona en 1, vaya al tribunal en la dirección indicada en la parte superior de la página 1. Pida al secretario de la corte permiso para ver el expediente de su caso. Tendrá que darle al secretario el número de su caso, que aparece arriba y en la página 1. La solicitud de una orden de restricción se hace en el formulario CH-100, Solicitud de órdenes de restricción por acoso civil.
Where can I get help?
Free legal information is available at your local court s self-help center. Go to www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp to find your local center.
¿Dónde puedo obtener ayuda?
Puede obtener información legal gratis en el centro de ayuda de su corte. Vea www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp para encontrar el centro de ayuda en su condado.
Do I need a lawyer?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but you may want legal advice before your court hearing. For help finding a lawyer, you can visit www.lawhelpca.org or contact your local bar association.
¿Necesito un abogado?
No es obligatorio tener un abogado, pero es posible
que quiera consejos legales antes de la audiencia en la corte. Para ayuda a encontrar un abogado, visite www.lawhelpca.org/es/homepage o contacte al Colegio de Abogados local.
[seal] Date (Fecha):
Clerk, by (Secretario, por): [sello ]Deputy (Asistente) MALIBU 268
2024256511
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:
MALIBU NURSERY & LANDSCAPING
2170 MARKHAM AVE., THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91360, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):
Registered Owner(s): THE SHILLINGTON CORPORATION
2170 MARKHAM AVE., THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91360
If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization CA
This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/2020 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, THE SHILLINGTON CORPORATION, DIANA SHILLINGTON, CEO
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 12/19/2024. NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 12/26/2024, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16/2025 MALIBU 272
2024250431
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: PALISADES ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION
967 WEST HYDE PARK BLVD, INGLEWOOD, CA 90302, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):
Registered Owner(s): YOLOA
967 WEST HYDE PARK BLVD, INGLEWOOD, CA 90302 If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization CA
This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/1992
I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, YOLOA, RICHARD NORTON, CEO
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 12/10/2024. NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER.
A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AU -
THORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 12/26/2024, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16/2025 MALIBU 273
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Case No. 24SMCP00662
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Petition of: AMANDA RAE VAN DUREN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: AMANDA RAE VAN DUREN a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: AMANDA RAE VAN DUREN Proposed
Name: AMANDA VAN DUREN VELKOVA
The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing:
Date: 01/31/2025 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: K
The address of the court is:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
1725 MAIN STREET, ROOM 102, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper): The Malibu Times Date: DEC 20, 2024
LAWRENCE H. CHO, Judge of the Superior Court DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court PUB: 12/26/2024, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16/2025 The Malibu Times MALIBU 274
NOTICE INVITING BIDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that electronic bids for the City of Malibu, CLOVER HEIGHTS AVENUE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 2101, will be received by the City Clerk, at Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, California, 90265 at or before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read by the City Clerk (or designated representative).
OF WORK
SCOPE
In general, the proposed improvements consist of new 48-inch storm drain, inlet structures, pavement repair, demolition, earthwork, fencing, traffic control, and all other appurtenant work included and shown in the Contract Documents and Specifications.
The bid shall be submitted and the work shall be performed by a Class “A” or “C-34” State of California licensed contractor in strict conformance with the project specifications for Project Specification No. 2101 now on file in the City’s Public Works Department.
An electronic copy of plans and specifications may be obtained by prospective bidders from the Public Works Department through mpublicworks@malibucity.org.
All prospective bidders shall abide by the provisions of the Bid Terms and Conditions listed in the project’s specifications.
The City reserves the right to retain all bids for a period of 120 days after the bid opening date for examination and comparison and to delete any portion of the work from the Contract. The City reserves the right to determine and waive nonsubstantial irregularities in any bid, and to reject any or all bids. The bid shall be balanced so that each bid item is priced to carry its share of the cost of the work and also its share of the contractor’s overhead and profit. The City reserves the right to delete any bid item to the extent that the bid is qualified by specific limitation. An unbalanced bid shall be considered as grounds for rejecting the entire bid. The City shall award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder as the interest of the City may require.
Bidders are advised that, as required by federal law, the City of Malibu is implementing new Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements.
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) contract goal is 15.3% for this project
In accordance with the provisions of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 of the California Labor Code, the California Department of Industrial Relations has established the general prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification and type of work needed to execute contracts for public works and improvements. The per diem wages published at the date the contract is advertised for bids shall be applicable. Future effective wage rates which have been predetermined are on file with the Department of Industrial Relations, are referenced but not printed in said publication. The new wage rates shall become effective on the day following the expiration date and apply to this contract in the same manner as if they had been included or referenced in this contract. The website for California Department of Industrial Relations Prevailing Wage Unit is currently located at www.dir.ca.gov, prevailing wages are located on the website at http://www.dir.ca.gov/ dlsr/pwd/index.htm.
The wage rate for any classification not listed by the California Department of Industrial Relations, but which may be required to execute the proposed contract, shall be in accord with specified rates for similar or comparable classifications or for those performing similar or comparable duties, within the agency’s determinations.
At the time of submitting the bid the Bidder shall be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations in accordance with the provisions of Section 1771.1 of the California Labor Code, as amended by Senate Bill 854. No public work contract may be awarded to a non-registered contractor or subcontractor.
Without exception, the bidder is required to state the name and address of each subcontractor who will perform work or labor or render service to the prime contractor and the portion of the work which each will do in their bid as required by Section 23, “Subcontracts”, of the Standard Specifications and in conformance with Public Contract Code, Sections 4100 to 4113, inclusive.
The City will not consider awarding any contract based upon any bid submitted by any contractor nor consent to subletting any portions of the Contract to any subcontractor located in a foreign country during any period in which such foreign country is listed by the United States Trade Representative as discriminating against U.S. firms in conducting procurements for public works projects.
All bidders are hereby notified that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Business Enterprises must be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin consideration for an award.
The Contractor may substitute securities for retention monies pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300.
Date this 20th day of December, 2024 CITY OF MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Rob DuBoux, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Published: Malibu Times on January 2 and January 9, 2025 MALIBU 3
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: PAUL GATES INGERSON AKA PAUL G. INGERSON AKA PAUL INGERSON CASE NO. 24STPB14378
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of PAUL GATES INGERSON AKA PAUL G. INGERSON AKA PAUL INGERSON. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by GREG M. INGERSON AKA GREGORY MOORE INGERSON in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that GREG M. INGERSON AKA GREGORY MOORE INGERSON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/27/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.
Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner
MAX M. ALAVI, ESQ. - SBN 272099
MAX ALAVI, ATTORNEY AT LAW, APC
2424 S.E. BRISTOL STREET, SUITE 300
NEWPORT BEACH CA 92660
Telephone (949) 706-1919
BSC 226239
1/2, 1/9, 1/16/25
CNS-3882678#
MALIBU TIMES
MALIBU 4
Sandy (left) and Luna (right) get ready to celebrate the holidays. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and Happy New Years!
- Sandy and Luna
To submit a Poppy’s Pal photo of your pet, please email to: office@malibutimes.com
200DPI as jpg or pdf file. Include pet’s name along with a clever caption, and/or their name, breed and age.
Poppy’s Pall photos are published in the order in which they are received.
CLASSIFIEDS
“NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www. cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.”
ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, ancestry or national origin or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertisements for real estate in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
THE MALIBU TIMES reserves the right to refuse the publishing of any advertisement(s) and to delete any objectionable word(s), phrase(s) and/ or image(s) from such advertisement. If there is an error or omission in the printing and/ or publication of an advertisement, The Malibu Times’ liability is limited to only one incorrect insertion or omission.
Advertising Packages
DO YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS KNOWN IN MALIBU! .We can make it happen with our SPECIAL ADVERTISING PACKAGES. . Our low discounted rates will save you up to 50%. *Billing on monthly basis. *Get in 2-3 sections of the paper + online. *Your ad will be seen weekly in print & 24/7 Online
at MalibuTimes.com Call 310456-5507
Animals
AGOURA ANIMAL SHELTER 29525 West Agoura Road, Agoura, CA 91301 (west of Kanan Road) 818-991-0071. Visiting Hours Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday and holidays. www. animalcare.lacounty.gov
Announcements
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844203-2677 www.dental50plus. com/calnews #6258 (CalSCAN)
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Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-424-7581 (Cal-SCAN)
DID YOU KNOW Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted,
copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-288-6011 or email
The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply.) Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 12/29/24.) Call 1-833-9854766
Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844908-0605 (Cal-SCAN)
Autos Wanted DONATE YOUR VEHICLE to fund the SEARCH FOR MISSING CHILDREN. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24 hour response. Running or not. Maximum Tax Deduction and No Emission Test Required! Call 24/7: 1-877-434-6852 (Cal-SCAN)
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GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-855-408-6546 (Cal-SCAN))
Tiene un vehiculo no deseado? Donelo a Patriotic Hearts! Recogida rápida y gratuita en los 50 estados. Patriotic Hearts ofrece programas para ayudar a los veteranos a encontrar trabajo o iniciar su propio negocio. Llama ahora: 1-844- 244-5441 (24/7) (Cal-SCAN)
Antonio Alessi – Hospitality, Restaurant, Business Consulting expert with 25+ years in management, finance, and design, specializing in iconic food establishments in the Malibu Country Mart, Fred Segal Melrose, and Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey. (310) 463-0739, antonioalessi.com
Contractor
FIRE RESISTANCE FOR YOUR ATTIC AND BASEMENT VENTS AGAINST FIRE EMBERS. We will retrofit or replace your existing vents. We are a licensed remodeling specialist contractor in Malibu for over 40 years. Please call for an estimate.Beachside Builders Const Inc. License# 546903 310-456-1937 beachsidebuilders@hotmail. com
KANEROY and ASSOCIATES has been proud to serve Malibu & the Westside for the past 20 years, and look forward to putting it’s broad experience, creativity and craftsmanship to work for you on your next construction project. Kane Sickner 310-456-6841, www.kaneroy. com. Lic.#569337-Bonded/ insured.
Eva Ackerman - Consultant, Coach, Mediator, Lighthouse. Se habla español. Eva blends psycho-spiritual training, transformational leadership and Sacred Commerce consulting to provide loving support, insightful reflection and effective tools for grounding and executing your vision into physical reality. Call 503-791-9939.
Education
Enhance Your Problem-Solving
Skills: Guided imagery inspires you to approach personal or professional problems with fresh perspectives and renewed energy. Find new solutions and take action. Joanna Poppink, MFT,15563, offers virtual sessions. Free consultation: joanna@poppink.com
Electrical
CONEJO VALLEY ELECTRIC
Lighting & electrical solutions. Full service electrical contractor & lighting specialist. We also install all wall mounts, flat screen TV’s, speakers & network systems. Family owned. Call 818-259-4055 or 805-4977711. Lic#922260.
Fencing
COASTLINE FENCE CO Wood, Chain link & Vinyl Fencing * Custom Gates & Entry Systems *Windscreens * Snake Fences & Corrals. Competitive prices * Quality work. Local Malibu Co. for over 26yrs Jeff Turner 310-457-2139 coastlinefence@ gmail.com Lic#965437
Financial Services / Money to Loan
Struggling with debt? If you have over $10,000 in debt we help you be debt free in as little as 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call Now: 1-877-4354860 (Cal-SCAN)
Flea Market TO PLACE YOUR FREE FLEA MARKET ADS CALL 310-4565507 OR EMAIL
Paradise Painting - 15% OFF SPECIAL - We do it right the first time! Complete interior & exterior restoration specialists. Call or Text for a free estimate 805-910-9247. CSLB 1084319
Piano & Voice Lessons
In-Home Piano and Voice Lessons - Master’s in Piano Performance. BA in Music - Voice and Piano. 20+ years experience. Contact Greg at 818-851-1473. malibuwestlakemusic@gmail.com. www.malibuwestlakemusic.com
Real Estate Agent
Bianca Torrence - Local Realtor with 24 years of experience, Listing, Leasing, Selling, Residential Properties & Vacant land. Certified Home Luxury Marketing Special-
ist & Senior Real Estate Specialist. DRE: 01148864 When looking for excellent results call Bianca at 310736-5005
Real Estate Loans
RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1-818-248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal-SCAN)
Rental Office Space
21355 PCH Malibu: Great Office Spaces for Lease Available Now!
Unit 101B : Ground Floor: +/- 500 sq. ft. @ $2,500/m.OBO. Professional, Nail Salon, Wellness, Retail etc.
Unit 200: +/- 700 sq. ft @ $3,000/m. Perfect for Pilates or Yoga Studio, Soundbaths, Acupuncture, Chiropractic or Massage Place-- a very healing and calming energy.
Unit 202B: +/- 200 sq. ft.@ $1,950 Good for professional work space, counselor, therapist, wellness etc. Common waiting room included.
Unit 100: Ground Floor. +/- 1000 sq. ft. with 6 built out offices and an open conference / reception area. $5,000/m OBO. Significant PCH frontage and plenty of parking. Great office, professional, massage, healing practice space.
To view any property please call/ text/email Mayra @ 323-559-8119 / propertymanager@divineimaging. com or Kim @ 310-617-6339 / kim@ divineimaging.com
Roofing
THOMAS MURRAY, WATERPROOF-
ING SPECIALIST Seamless gutters, slate, decks, shingles, copper, hotmop, torch. All types of Roofing and Repairs. Residential* Commercial* Industrial. Call for a GREAT free quote 310-779-5265. #1117921. Bonded/Insured.
Services
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-252-9868 (Cal-SCAN)
Don’t Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! Our home warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. We stand by our service and
if we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it! Pick the plan that fits your budget! Call:1855-411-1731 (Cal-SCAN)
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-888-248-0815. Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (Cal-SCAN)
Tailoring / Alterations
Khaled’s Malibu TailoringSecond Location now open! Expert Tailoring & Alterations. Visit us at Malibu Country Mart: 23440 Civic Center Way. 310-595-5057 www. khaledtailoring.com
Tree Services
JOHNSON TREE CO. Fruit tree care, brush clearance & removals, pest control, pruning, preservation, Tree surgery, trimming & feeding. Call 310393-5700. Johnsontreecompany. com. Lic#924238/Insured
Affordable Tree Care Certified Arborists, Family Owned Business, 25 + Years Experience. Palm Tree Specialist, Citrus Pruning for high yield, Brush Clearance, Disease, Pest, and Tree Removal. Call 310-456-6564. Joseph Christman’s West Coast Tree, Inc. LIC #1109716
SPORTS
Waves women’s basketball tips
West Coast Conference schedule
Narrow loss to Santa Clara gives Pepperdine a 5-5 overall record in first 10 contests
The Pepperdine women’s basketball team trailed Santa Clara for nearly eight minutes in the fourth quarter of their Dec. 21 matchup in Pepperdine’s Firestone Fieldhouse. But then, Waves guard Ella Brubaker capped a comeback by darting into the lane and scoring a tough layup to tie the scoreboard 65-65. After a Broncos’ miss, Pepperdine guard Malia Mastora hit a scooping shot to give her team a twopoint lead with under two minutes left in the game.
Pepperdine had been down by as much as seven points in the contest’s last 10 minutes but stormed back. Waves head coach Katie Faulkner told her group the last quarter would be a fight.
“We had to keep doing our job,” she said. “Help when you need to help. Stay out when you need to stay out and take things one play at a time.”
Moments after recording a key block Waves center Megan Harkey, scored in the lane to give Pepperdine a 69-67 lead. However with 22 seconds left, the Broncos’ Alana Goodchile swished a three-point shot to give Santa Clara a one-point advantage. Pepperdine had two turnovers in last 17 seconds, and Santa Clara won the contest 70-69.
Faulkner noted how five Waves scored over 10 points in the game and said nearly winning the game showed they are a competitive bunch.
“We aren’t going to hang our heads,” she said. “It’s good to feel the sting a little bit, so we can channel it the right way. To have five players in double-digit scoring, to have people step up that is really hard to guard. It took their best effort to beat us.”
The contest was Pepperdine’s first of their West Coast Conference schedule. It gave the squad a 5-5 record heading into their second conference matchup, a game against Washington State on Dec. 28. Their WCC slate also includes contests
against Gonzaga, San Diego, San Francisco, Pacific, Portland, Oregon State, Loyola Marymount, and Saint Mary’s.
Their 20-game WCC schedule stretches until the first day of March.
Last season, Pepperdine only had one win in the WCC.
The Waves’ five wins at press time equaled the amount of victories they had during their 30-game 2023-24 campaign.
Their Jan. 4, 2024, downing of San Diego was their final win of the season. Pepperdine lost 16 straight games after that.
Faulkner said the team has undergone a cultural transformation since she was hired to be the team’s coach last summer.
“I’m really proud to have multiple voices speaking up in the locker room,” she said. “We are setting a new tone and standard — celebrating when we get things
right and correcting when we get things wrong. We are nowhere near the team we are going to be. I’m proud of where we are now but looking for more.”
The Waves are an experienced 12-player squad with only one freshman and a handful of transfers.
Brubaker, a senior, led the way against Santa Clara with 17 points. She scored in ways that included a nifty double crossover, a jump shot and fast-break layup, which included a step-through. She exited the game with over 1,500 career points scored. Freshman guard Chloe Sotell, the WCC Freshman of the Week in early December, tallied 14 points and three assists, while Harkey had 12 points and seven rebounds. Makena Mastora, Malia’s sister, scored 12 points also.
Sotell had eight points in the first
quarter to propel Pepperdine. The Waves’ scoring variety gave them a 34-32 lead at halftime, but in the third quarter the Broncos got hot and swished five three pointers. Santa Clara had a 56-51 lead at the end of the third quarter, but the Waves chipped away at the score from the outset of the last quarter with Brubaker, Harkey, and Makena leading the charge.
With 17.4 seconds left and Santa Clara up by a point, Brubaker made a move to score but was called for traveling. Santa Clara turned the ball over with 4.5 seconds left. The Waves then turned the ball over again as the game clock expired.
Pepperdine opened the season with a win over Fullerton but lost two consecutive games before beating Cal Baptist, UC Riverside, and CSUN. The squad lost
to Long Beach State, then beat Nevada. Pepperdine lost to New Mexico ahead of Santa Clara.
Pepperdine played at Gonzaga on Monday, Dec. 30, and hosts San Diego on Thursday, Jan. 2. They play at San Francisco on Saturday, Jan. 4. Faulkner said the Waves need to defend opponents’ three-point shots better and learn to make in-game adjustments. However, the coach noted that the squad has improved since their season-opening win.
“Game 1 against Fullerton, we squeaked that one out with no offensive flow,” she remembered. “To now have five people in double-digit scoring is growth. That is all you want as a coach, to progressively get better. I like seeing people evolve and turn into leaders.”
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Mister Roberts Painting Company
Mister Roberts Painting brings 59 years of trusted expertise in Malibu and surrounding areas. Owner and long-time
your project, no matter how big or small. They have a long list of loyal clients because they treat every home like a legend.
Mister Roberts Painting uses only high quality, leading-edge materials and techniques to ensure your project lasts, even in challenging marine environments. Services include new and existing interiors/ exteriors, historic
and
Horse Saloon Prindle Regatta Champion), Program Director/Captain (Pepsi Skateboard Team), actor, stuntman and screenwriter.
